Height, diameter and crown dimensions of Cordia alliodora associated with tree density

Abstract

To investigate the responses of Cordia alliodora associated with tree density, three permanent Nelder plots and 31 temporary 0.09 ha plots in northern Costa Rica, representing a range of densities (100–195 883 per hectare), ages (1–45 years), and elevation (30–430 m), were measured between 1993 and 1996. Tree height, age, stem diameter at breast height, and crown diameter were analyzed with regression techniques. The height of C. alliodora was significantly associated with tree age and stem diameter, but not with density. Stem diameter decreased with increasing tree density. Results were consistent with competition-density patterns observed in temperate forest trees. The ratio between the crown diameter and stem diameter in C. alliodora was not significantly related to density, although this ratio varied directly with tree age. These results suggest that the merchantable yield of C. alliodora in the low-elevation moist tropics of Atlantic Costa Rica may be increased via stand-density management. Study results also indicate that silvicultural research techniques developed in temperate forests can be used to study tropical species. Tropical trees that regenerate in even-aged stands and that permit an estimate of age are the best candidates for such techniques.